It has been nearly two years since The Melting Pot last served its signature cheese and chocolate fondues in Red Bank, but that will change this spring when the restaurant returns to Bridge Avenue.

The restaurant, which closed in 2016, has three new franchise partners: Barry Berkowitz, Brian Neel and Jeff Nichols, who collectively own five other locations between Washington D.C. and New York. Berkowitz, who grew up in Middletown, lives in Florida and has family in Monmouth County. Nichols lives in Delaware and Neel resides near Philadelphia.

The Red Bank location is being redesigned as a prototype for the brand's new concept, which maintains The Melting Pot's traditional two-hour fondue experience but also introduces a casual dining option, a craft cocktail-focused bar, an open cheese and chocolate kitchen, and a dining area for wine lovers.

An architectural rendering of The Melting Pot's bar, which will be focused on craft cocktails.(Photo: COURTESY OF THE MELTING POT/SCOTT SQUARED DESIGN)

"We all thought the Jersey Shore, the suburbs of New York, is a great market," Berkowitz said of the reimagined restaurant, which will open in the same space as its predecessor, in The Galleria Red Bank. "We're adding multiple dining rooms," he said, and said that in addition to the cook-it-yourself experience diners are used to, the restaurant will offer casual service near the bar. "Now, you can go in for a half hour, have cheese, salad, a nice glass of wine," he said.

The Melting Pot will serve lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays. For lunch, diners can choose from "typical lunch items," Berkowitz said. As of press time, the menu was under development.

An architectural rendering of The Melting Pot's new wine-tasting experience.(Photo: COURTESY OF THE MELTING POT/SCOTT SQUARED DESIGN)

As for the open kitchen, "we wanted to take the cheese and chocolate out from behind the walls so the guests can see the process," he said, adding that this area will have tables nearby where guests can watch chefs slice charcuterie, fruits and vegetables and prepare chocolates and cheeses. "That's where restaurants are going, so we are going to bring that out in the front. Hopefully, this prototype branches out to everyone in the country."

The Melting Pot, 2 Bridge Ave. in Red Bank, also has locations in Somerset, Morris, Bergen and Burlington counties; an Atlantic City restaurant closed last year. For more information, follow the restaurant on Facebook or visit www.meltingpot.com.